Planning a getaway to the North Carolina coast this summer? The Vacationer Supported Agriculture (VSA) program is making it easier to eat locally while you’re there. Operated by North Carolina Cooperative Extension and N.C. State startup People-First Tourism, Inc., the program aims to connect vacationers with locally grown foods while creating new revenue opportunities for farmers near the coast.
See more: Ask a Farmer: Why Are CSAs Important?
Travelers who book accommodations through one of the program’s participating realties properties will receive an email inviting them to purchase one or more bags of fresh, locally grown produce. Vacationers can then collect their bags at a convenient pickup location as soon as they arrive at the beach.
So far, the program is available at 15 realties along the North Carolina coast in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties and has generated more than $120,000 in revenue for participating local farmers. VSA’s plans for the 2021 season include giving customers the option to order eggs and shrimp from local producers, as well as expanding the program into the Crystal Coast and the Outer Banks.
Learn more about the program and view participating realties at p1provisions.com.
